Abbie Davis, 83

CHATHAM — Abbie passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, January 21, during a tranquil snowfall at Ledgewood Nursing Home in Beverly, MA. She was 83.

CHATHAM — Abbie passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, January 21, during a tranquil snowfall at Ledgewood Nursing Home in Beverly, MA. She was 83.

Abbie Jane was born in Boston on January 30, 1928, the daughter of the late Albert and Abbie Richardson of West Medford. She graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music and was an accomplished pianist. While working as a children's librarian at Boston Public Library, Abbie was set up on a date with John Davis by a family friend, Muriel Morrisey, (sister of Amelia Earhart).

John and Abbie married in 1965 and relocated to Newport, R.I., where John was headmaster of St. George's School. While in Newport, they had their only child, daughter, Jennifer Ann. The family relocated to Pittsfield, Maine, in 1969, where Abbie continued her life's passion of teaching special needs students. Upon the death of her father in 1976, the family moved permanently to her beloved childhood summer home on Cross Street in Chatham. Abbie worked at the May Institute for many years: a position she found immensely rewarding.

Upon retiring, Abbie remained a vibrant member of the community volunteering as a teacher's aide and at Liberty Commons. She thought the world of her St. Christopher's Church family where she assisted at Sunday School and served on the altar guild. Her day was not complete until she had brought a smile to someone who needed one. She enjoyed long walks along Hardings Beach, rooting for the Red Sox and watercolor painting.

She was predeceased by her love, John in 2000 and is survived by her daughter Jenny of Rockport and Jenny's love, Wade. She also leaves behind her favorite "ball of fluff," her calico cat, Molly and countless friends whose lives she has touched along the way.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, Brewster shelter, 3981 Main Street, East Brewster MA 02631 or to St. Christopher's Church, 625 Main Street, Chatham MA 02633.

Services to be held at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Chatham, MA at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012. For information or to leave condolences, please visit www.nickersonfhchatham.com